I have a 91 convertible 5sp 305 TBI. I have owned it since 99. I have had intermittent problems with it not cranking. Up until a few months ago about one out of every 20 times I would try to start it, it would not crank. I could hear a "click" under the hood and the volt meter on the dash would drop to zero while the key was turned. Also the electric fan would often come on while the key was turned to "run" and would cut off when the key turned to "start", then back on when key released from "start" If I would keep turning the key back and forth the car would eventually start. A few months ago I had to replace the starter. Once the new starter was installed the no crank became the rule and not the exception. 90% of the time when I would try to start it, it would have the same symptom of "clicking" but not cranking, but would eventually start. Today it started right up, first try. I shut it off to run into the store and when I returned "click" and no start. Eventually the "click" went away and just no start. I was able to easily roll start it in reverse and drove home. When I try to start it now, no "click", no electric fan, volt meter stays straight up, lights don't dim when turning the key to "start". I jacked it up and visually inspected the connections at the starter, wiggled them and even tapped the starter with a hammer thinking it might be the starter again. No results. Any suggestions?

 

The fact that you were able to bump start it tells me that your VATS is not the issue.

Check the starter enable relay at the drivers kick panel under some vapor barrier material (easy to find with a Google image search). Mine came loose and I experienced the same symptoms as you. Make sure that relay clicks in place real good into the harness that runs along the floor. If that doesn't work you might have to look into replacing the relay. About $15 on RockAuto - $25 at O'Reilly's...not the cheapest relay, but it's a relatively cheap fix.

That's my guess....good luck.

 

Thanks for the info. The problem "fixed itself" for now, but I will check that relay. Still have the issue with turning the key, get un underhood "click" but no start, security light works but isn't on....after a few key turns and "clicks" it decides to turn over and start

 

Sure it is " underhood " and not the above mentioned relay ?